A general curiosity, about a gesture.

I always thought that gesture was meant to indicate the dimples that would show up if you were genuinely smiling. It always seems to be used sarcastically or to try to compel an unsmiling person to look happy.

I use this gesture frequently. Exactly for the reason stated in the above response, and also to emphasize or exaggerate my own happiness. It’s like putting an exclamation point on my smile.

To me it’s one of those things that are cute or funny the first time (like referring to the postal service as “snail mail”; like miming a little phone receiver with your hand every time you allude to making a phone call; like preceding an announcement with “Ta-daaah!” or writing “I’m back” as “I’m baaaaack”). After that it’s old, and no one would miss it if you gave it up.

@Jeruba Haha, the “I’m baaaaaack” tickled me :)

Now that you’ve made me think about it, I associate the move with stage moms trying to silently communicate with a child from the audience.

Aaah, interesting, never really thought about this.

I’ve never used that gesture, but, then again, I smile easily and often and genuinely! :-D

Didn’t JoAnne Worley make that gesture popular on Laugh In? Back in the olden days? Make of it what you will. I never thought it added anything but schtick.

I have never used or seen that gesture and I would have had no clue what it meant.